Brain injuries can often result
in significant strain in a couple’s relationship. As a result of the
impairments which flow from the brain injury, both partners will experience a
sense of loss and face numerous changes and challenges. This can lead to a
breakdown in the relationship and a loss of intimacy between the partners.
The brain
injured partner may suffer loss and changes in their physical abilities,
cognitive abilities, behaviour and mental state. They may suffer from fatigue,
decreased mobility, pain, low confidence, feeling
unattractive,difficultiescommunicating, lack of insight, impulsivity, anger,
frustration and depression.These symptoms can all negatively affect a couple’s
relationship.
As a result of
the above, the healthy partner will often take on the role of caregiver and
might feel as though their partner has returned to a childlike state. The
partnermay also take on other additional roles within the familythat were
previously done by their brain injured partner. This can leave the partner feeling
worn out, angry, frustrated, depressed, resentful, stressed and anxious. In
addition, the partner may feel as thoughthey are in a relationship with a
stranger as a result of the behavioural changes which are common with a brain
injury.
In these
situations, it is helpful to seek out support groups, counselling and therapy.
These options can help provide the healthy partner with support, education and strategies
for coping with all that comes with being in a relationship with someone who
has sustained a brain injury.
By Karen Vigmond
The spinal
cord is a thick bundle of nerves that runs through the vertebrae in the spine
and acts as a pathway between the brain and the rest of the body. It is divided
into four sections: cervical (neck), thoracic (chest/trunk), lumbar (lower
back) and sacral. When the spinal cord is injured it can result in the loss of feeling
and function in certain parts of the body. The parts of the body that will be
affected will depend on where the injury to the spinal cord occurred.
Typically, the higher the level of the injury, the greater the loss will be and
more parts of the body that will be affected.
Spinal cord
injuries can be placed into two general categories, complete and incomplete. A
complete spinal cord injury generally means that there is no function or
feeling below the level of injury. An incomplete spinal cord injury means that
there is some function or feeling below the level of the injury. For example, a
person with an incomplete spinal cord injury may have more functioning on one
side of the body than the other.
Spinal cord
injuries are also commonly described using the terms quadriplegia (or
tetraplegia) and paraplegia. Quadriplegia involves the loss of movement and
feeling in all four limbs and can affect the trunk and chest muscles as well. This
is caused by injury to the cervical part of the spinal cord. Paraplegia
involves the loss of movement or feeling in the lower part of the body,
mainly the legs. This can be caused by injury to the thoracic, lumbar or sacral
parts of the spinal cord.
There are also
many secondary complications that result from a spinal cord injury. These are
serious and can include muscle spasticity, digestive problems, pressure sores,
loss of bowel and bladder function, sexual dysfunction, problems with heart
rate and blood pressure, circulation and respiratory problems, muscle tone,
nerve pain, and other risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle.
According to
Spinal Cord Injury Ontario, each week 11 more people sustain a spinal cord
injury. Currently, 33,000 people in Ontario (86,000 in the rest Canada) have a
spinal cord injury. If you suffered a spinal cord injury due to the fault of
someone else it is important to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer.
By Karen Vigmond
When a member of your family has suffered a brain
injury, everyone in the family is affected. As a result of the impairments the
brain injured family member will experience, often there are role changes within
the family and an increase in everyone’s responsibilities. These changes will often
leave family members with less time for themselves. At times it seems that all of
the family member’s efforts and focus are solely on the injured family member.
As a result, feelings of anger, frustration and resentment
are often experienced. Additionally, family members may feel grief and mourning
given the significant changes to the injured family member. In addition, anxiety
and fear may be felt as a result of the many unknowns and uncertainty of the
future. Family members may also experience loss, includinga lossof
companionship, a loss of income, a loss of future plans, a loss of a sense of
securityand a loss of control.
In these situations, it is helpful to talk about
your feelings and communicate with others in your family. If you are in this
situation, we recommend that you speak to your doctor, personal injury lawyer
or other health care professional about the resources available to you and your
family.
By Karen Vigmond
As a result of
injuries sustained in a car, truck, ATV or motorcycle collision, an individual
may be left with a permanent disability and, in very serious cases, may be confined
to a wheelchair. In these cases, the person’s home and vehicle are likely no
longer suitable or accessible to them. If this occurs, there are ways that a
house and vehicle can be modified to allow the newly disabled person to remain
in their home and maintain a level of independence.
A person’s residence may be modified in many
different ways in order to increase the level of accessibility of their home.
For example, lifts, ramps, and transferring devices can be installed both
inside and outside of the home. Additionally, doors can be widened, replaced or
removed and bathrooms can be renovated to include grab bars, safety rails and a
wheel in shower. Kitchen equipment and cupboards can be lowered and a paved
access path can be installed between the residence and mode of transportation.
These are a few examples of modificationsthat can be made and willallow someone
who has experienced a life altering event remain in the comfort of their own home.
There are also many modifications that can be made
to a vehicle to make it accessible. Mechanical hand controls, pedal extensions,
a left foot accelerator, lifts, power transfer seats, removable driver seats, reduced
effort brakes and steering systems, and specialized seating can be
installed in the vehicle. Furthermore, the roof of a vehicle can be raised and
the floor can be lowered. These modifications can allow a newly disabled person
to maintain their independence by making it possible for them to operate a
vehicle. This is especially important in areas where public transportation is
nonexistent or very limited.
Individuals who are injured in Ontario
in motor vehicle accidentstypically have accessto statutory accident benefits (usually
from their own car insurer). Thesebenefits include home and vehicle
modifications/renovations provided they are reasonable and necessary. For more information
on how to access these benefitssee Ryan Murray’s article titled Accessing Housing Renovations and
Modifications Through Accident Benefits.
By Karen Vigmond
Brain injuries can often result
in significant strain in a couple’s relationship. As a result of the
impairments which flow from the brain injury, both partners will experience a
sense of loss and face numerous changes and challenges. This can lead to a
breakdown in the relationship and a loss of intimacy between the partners. 
